Daniel Farke can solve major Leeds United problem by signing ‘unbelievable’ player
Leeds United are still in the market for an attacking player in the closing weeks of the summer window.
The Whites had looked to be close to completing the signing of winger Igor Paixao last month, but the Brazilian ultimately decided to join Marseille.
Decision-makers at Elland Road had hoped to be able to re-sign Manor Solomon, but Tottenham have, so far, been unwilling to negotiate a deal for the 26-year-old.
Leeds will kick off their Premier League season on Monday, 18 August, with Daniel Farke’s side hoping to hit the ground running against Everton.
Bilal El Khannouss could be the ideal option for Leeds
Leicester City signed Bilal El Khannouss from Genk last summer, in a deal worth around £21million.
But following the Foxes’ relegation, the midfielder could now be set to leave The King Power Stadium, with several Premier League clubs showing interest.
Among them is Leeds, with the Whites keen to sign the Morocco international, who scored twice and provided three assists in the league last season.
El Khannouss, once described as “unbelievable” by Jamie Vardy, is a supreme dribbler, often using his low centre of gravity to dart away from his man and drive forward.
Despite holding a slight frame, the 21-year-old is surprisingly strong and is not easily knocked off balance when in full flight.
El Khannouss was impressive in Leicester’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday (11 August), assisting both goals as the home side emerged victorious late on.
And the midfielder should have had a goal late on, too, but was denied from close range by a superb Pierce Charles save.
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El Khannouss would be an upgrade on Brenden Aaronson
El Khannouss would likely compete for several positions on arrival at Elland Road, including the attacking midfield role held by Brenden Aaronson last season.
And the Morocco international would likely be an instant upgrade, judging by the stats behind each player.
El Khannouss completes more carries and take-ons than the American, and significantly outperforms his opposite number when it comes to passing.
| 2024/25 stats (per 90) | El Khannouss | Aaronson |
| Progressive carries | 3.01 | 2.09 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.40 | 1.27 |
| Passes into final third | 3.67 | 2.14 |
| Shots total | 1.24 | 2.14 |
| Tackles | 2.06 | 1.43 |
Aaronson does possess better shooting stats than the Leicester dynamo, but was often deployed in a more advanced role for Leeds last season.
And when it comes to pressing from the front, El Khannouss excels where Aaronson does not, often dispossessing his opponents in the midfield.
The midfielder would likely attract a significant fee, but for his potential, would be undoubtedly worth it for Leeds.
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